Capt. Sandra Tong: Police Beat

Greetings to all!

February is a month filled with celebrations. There is Valentine's Day, President Lincoln's Birthday, Chinese New Year's, President Washington's Birthday, Flag Day and Presidents' Day. Whatever holiday you celebrate, have a wonderful time, but make sure you celebrate in a safe manner.

For example, please don't drink and drive. One of the celebrations in our district is Chinese New Year on Feb. 18.

According to the lunar calendar, this year marks the Year of the Boar. The SF Police Department will partner with SAFE (Safety Awareness for Everyone) for the 11th annual Lunar New Year Crime Prevention and Public Safety Campaign.

The kick-off event on Feb. 8 will mark the beginning of the safety awareness campaign for merchants who may become victims of extortion, robbery or burglaries during the Lunar New Year. Police officers and SAFE members will walk merchant corridors distributing bilingual crime prevention information.

Although the primary focus of the campaign will be merchants, I encourage citizens that celebrate in the holiday to practice personal safety tips. Some basic safety tips include:
• don't carry large amounts of cash;
• keep your valuables in inner pockets;
• be aware of your surroundings;
• keep your purse in front of you.

The annual Chinese New Years Parade will be held Saturday, March 3. I wish all of you a safe, happy and prosperous new year. "Gung Hay Fat Choy!"

Traffic Fatality on Geary
On Wednesday, Jan. 17, at approximately 8 a.m. at 25th Avenue and Geary Boulevard, our district experienced its first traffic fatality since 2004. The Traffic Bureau and hit and run investigators are still conducting an investigation.

Preliminary findings indicate that a pedestrian crossing northbound on Geary fell, for an unknown reason, while in the crosswalk and a motorist making a right turn from Geary to 25th Avenue struck the pedestrian on the ground.

This tragic accident reminds all of us that we need to slow down when we drive and exercise extreme caution. As you drive, don't just focus on traffic lights or traffic devices that are at eye level, but use your entire peripheral vision (vertical and horizontal).

My traffic safety motto is, "Traffic safety begins with you."

Whether you're a pedestrian or motorist, we all must obey the rules of the road and exercise due caution.

This month's Police/Community Forum will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Richmond Station's Community Room, 461 Sixth Ave., at 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be SFPD Officer John Poelstra from the Sexual Predator Unit.

Poelstra will give an overview on how to access Megan's Law data, laws related to sex registrants and how law enforcement agencies coordinate checks on sex registrants. Poelstra suggests you access the Department of Justice Web site prior to the meeting to familiarize yourself with available information. The Web site is www.MegansLaw.CA.gov. Capt.

Sandra Tong is the commanding officer at the Richmond Station.